3 AM – Mr. Herman's House
The air was still cold when Marlon, Riri, and Romo arrived at Mr. Herman's house. They yawned one after another, still half-asleep, while Mr. Herman was already wide awake, wearing a sarong and a t-shirt, sipping black coffee on his front porch.
"Are you ready?" Mr. Herman asked, his voice as energetic as a football commentator.
Marlon rubbed his eyes. "Sir, normal people are still asleep at this hour."
"Successful people wake up at this hour," Mr. Herman replied with a laugh. "Come on, before my wife gets mad at you for falling asleep here."
Riri gave a faint smile. "So which market are we going to first, Sir?"
Mr. Herman took a deep breath and began explaining like a seasoned economics professor full of life experience.
"We're heading to Pasar Baru. It's the biggest traditional market in this area. I want you to record everything that happens there—how the vendors offer their goods, how the buyers bargain, their body language. This is important for our discussion later today. Don't just focus on numbers in economics, look at the people."
"Wow, sounds like a social investigation," Romo said as he turned on his phone's camera.
"Not just social," Mr. Herman said. "It's economic, psychological, even spiritual. At the market, you'll witness people wrestling with greed and honesty, diligence and laziness, hope and despair. The market is a miniature of life."
Marlon glanced at Riri. "Feels like we're shooting a documentary."
Mr. Herman patted Marlon on the shoulder. "A documentary with no paycheck. Now, into the car."
The Drive to the Market
The car rolled through nearly empty streets. Streetlights glowed dimly, casting long shadows on the asphalt.
"Mr. Herman, why do we have to go this early? Why not wait until noon?" Marlon complained, resting his head against the window.
"Because by noon, all you'll see is the finished product—not the process," Mr. Herman answered. "Vendors come very early, and that first transaction can define their entire day. There's a belief that the first sale brings good luck, so they'll lower their prices, even sell at a loss, just to make that first sale. Imagine that—people believing their success for the day depends on the first buyer. That's both psychology and spirituality."
Romo nodded. "There's a hint of superstition there, but also basic economic principle: stimulate early demand to get the money flowing."
"Exactly!" Mr. Herman tapped the steering wheel. "That's what we're here to learn. Money isn't just numbers—it's trust, fear, and hope transformed."
Riri crossed her arms. "So if someone shows up early and just haggles without buying anything, that could ruin a vendor's mood?"
"It could," Mr. Herman said. "That's what I call economic ghosting."
At the Market
They arrived at the market, already bustling with activity. The smell of spices mixed with fresh fish and vegetables. The sounds of bargaining echoed everywhere. Mr. Herman walked confidently, occasionally greeting vendors.
"Bu Siti! How are you?"
"Alhamdulillah, Mr. Herman. Out shopping with your kids?"
Mr. Herman laughed. "Not my kids—just curious students. They're out learning about life!"
Riri jotted in her small notebook. "Sir, this is interesting. The vendors greet each other like family, as if there's no competition. But in economic theory, they should be rivals."
Mr. Herman nodded. "True, but in traditional markets, competition doesn't work the same way as in big corporations. Here, if one vendor runs out of stock, they'll actually tell customers to try the next stall. There's solidarity and trust. That's what we call a 'relationship-based economy,' not just profit and loss."
Marlon, who had been recording the scene, paused when he saw an elderly man speaking to a chicken vendor.
"Please, ma'am, give me a small one. I don't have much money," the man said.
The vendor sighed. "Alright, I'll sell it to you at cost. It's okay."
Marlon turned to Mr. Herman. "Sir, is this what you were talking about earlier? About trust and solidarity in economics?"
Mr. Herman smiled. "You're starting to get it. In supermarkets, prices are fixed. But here, economics and humanity still go hand in hand."
Romo chimed in. "But if everyone sells at cost, won't they go bankrupt eventually?"
"That's the challenge," Mr. Herman said. "That's why balance is key. Be too kind, and you might go out of business. Be too ruthless, and the customers leave. That's the reality of economics—nothing is purely black or white."
They continued walking, occasionally stopping to observe interactions. Some haggled playfully, others argued over prices, and a few just chatted like old friends.
As the sun began to rise, Mr. Herman checked his watch. "Alright, that's enough for this morning. Let's head back and talk about everything you saw. Ready?"
Marlon smiled. "Ready, Sir! I think I'm starting to understand why you brought us here."
Riri nodded. "Yeah. This isn't just about economics—it's about people."
Mr. Herman gave a satisfied smile. "Good. Now let's find some breakfast before you all pass out."
A Calm Morning, A Peaceful Market
The atmosphere in the small food stall was warm and cozy. The scent of freshly fried rice blended with the aroma of steaming black coffee on a simple wooden table. An old radio in the corner played a vintage song—the crackling sound only added to the nostalgic charm of the morning. A few customers sat leisurely, enjoying their breakfast, chatting about the news in the paper, or simply making small talk with the stall owner.